News Details

Sen. Connelly sponsors legislation to ban sale of commercially-bred animals in DuPage and Will Counties

12/22/2017

State Senator Michael Connelly (R-Naperville) and State Representative David S. Olsen (R-Downers Grove) unveiled legislation today that would ban the retail sale of animals obtained from commercial breeders in DuPage and Will Counties.

Sen. Connelly and Rep. Olsen presented SB 2280 at a news conference at the Naperville Area Humane Society. The two lawmakers were joined at the noon event by DuPage County Board Animal Care and Control Committee Chairman Brian Krajewski, Will County Legislative Chairwoman Suzanne Hart, and representatives from the Humane Society of the United States, The Puppy Mill Project, the Naperville Area Humane Society and other local animal welfare representatives.

“Commercial breeding can be a sad and abusive industry,” said Sen. Connelly. “Not only will this bill help stop inhumane practices, but it will also encourage pet stores to partner with animal shelters and rescue organizations. This legislation will not make it illegal to breed pets. People will still be able to purchase an animal directly from a breeder.”

Olsen, who will serve as the Chief House Sponsor of SB 2280, said the lack of oversight and standards often seen at puppy mills and catteries cannot go unchecked. “The cruel practice of breeding animals on a mass scale for retail sale with no regard for the health and welfare of the animals must stop,” said Olsen. “SB 2280 would improve animal welfare standards, encourage more pet adoptions and responsible breeding practices, and protect consumers, who today are largely unaware of the inhumane treatment many animals are subjected to before they are sold.”

SBB 2280 is the product of collaboration by leaders in DuPage and Will Counties, the Humane Society of the United States, the Puppy Mill Project and several other local animal advocacy groups, and would bring state laws regulating the retail sale of animals obtained from commercial breeders in line with similar laws already in place in Chicago and Cook County.